On 24 February 2022, I woke up around 5:00 in the morning, worried and with the distinct feeling that something was wrong. I thought, "oh, this is just me being anxious". I picked up my phone to check what was happening in the digital world, hoping to fall asleep again... and I did not.

The President of the Russian Federation had authorized, ‘a special military operation’ against Ukraine. The internet had been filled up with videos, pictures and news about a series of explosions all over Ukraine.

At that moment in my life, I realized that nothing would be ever the same again. It was Thursday on the school’s February break. The life of all Ukrainians had been turned upside down. Now, after so many days of pure horror, I still cannot find proper words to describe our current reality. What I can do is stay focused on work, and do my best to support people affected by the war in any possible way that I can. I know that this is true for many of you.

This edition of the WORLD magazine is something truly special. Not only was it made in collaboration with various CEESA schools, but it is through this edition that we are explicitly discovering what ‘community’ truly means. Through this collaboration, we are acknowledging the importance of ‘solidarity’ and reflecting on the true meaning of "peace". Now, more than ever, I am extremely proud to be Ukrainian. And I hope for nothing but for justice and peace. I invite you to read this magazine and get to know more about the  extraordinary work that has been done by so many people in our international school communities:

American School of Warsaw, Anglo-American School of Sofia, American International School of Budapest, American International School of Bucharest and our very own school from Ukraine - Pechersk School International.

Слава Україні! [Glory to Ukraine]
Nikita Vasyliev
Co-Editor
PSI Kyiv